Ankara: A new global initiative, named Global 195, has been launched to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes, particularly those involving Israeli and dual nationals. The initiative seeks to establish independent legal groups in all 195 states worldwide to ensure accountability for war crimes through legal means.

According to Anadolu Agency, the initiative will empower legal groups to gather evidence and file complaints with local law enforcement agencies. In instances where authorities fail to act, these groups will pursue private arrest warrants and initiate private prosecutions. Ali, a representative of the initiative, emphasized the challenges posed by certain governments that may protect war crime suspects but noted the widespread support from multiple governments willing to engage with the initiative.

Shena Martinez of ICJP Canada elaborated on the purpose of Global 195, stressing its aim to bring accountability where governments currently refuse to act. Martinez highlighted the involvement of foreign nationals from countries like the UK and Canada in the Israeli armed forces and the lack of legal action from their respective governments despite potential involvement in illegal activities.

Global 195, led by the ICJP, aspires to create a global accountability network across four continents. It plans to use national and international legal mechanisms to pursue those accused of war crimes, issuing arrest warrants and initiating legal proceedings against senior Israeli military and political figures, among others. The coalition's efforts will include launching special prosecutions in selected countries for individuals linked to war crimes.

By partnering with lawyers and organizations worldwide, Global 195 aims to foster a movement dedicated to bringing war crimes suspects to justice. The initiative has garnered support from legal and civil society organizations across the UK, Canada, Trkiye, Norway, Malaysia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.